Cyber operations in international armed conflict: application of legal frameworks and principles of the UN Charter and international humanitarian law

Abstract

The thesis examines how cyber operations are regulated by focusing on the applicability of the United Nations (UN) Charter and International Humanitarian Law (IHL) provisions in the context of international armed conflict. Through various sources, the research analyzes how existing legal norms and principles apply to the unique features of operations carried out in cyberspace. The main objective is to determine the criteria by which a cyber operation may or may not qualify as an “attack” under IHL. The research findings reveal several challenges connected to the legal ambiguities arising from cyber operations. Furthermore, the thesis concludes that a cyber operation constitutes an attack under IHL when it causes or can be anticipated to cause substantial physical harm to people or objects.